Shorbat Ads
The everyday Lebanese red lentil soup: silky, golden, and finished with crispy cumin-fried onion rings that sink into the bowl as you eat. Simple to make, impossible to tire of.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 350 g Red lentils
- 1 large Yellow onion
- 2 medium Carrot
- 1 medium Potato
- 2 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 1½ tsp Salt
- 1.5 litres Water
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 large Large onion for topping
- 4 tbsp Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 tsp Cumin for topping
- 2 lemons Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Rinse lentils until the water runs clear. Place in a large pot with water, diced carrot, diced potato, and chopped onion.
- Bring to a boil, skim any foam, then add cumin, turmeric, and olive oil. Reduce to a simmer.
- Cook uncovered for 25 minutes until lentils are fully dissolved and carrot is soft.
- Use an immersion blender to blend completely smooth. If too thick, add water. Season with salt.
- For the topping: slice the second onion into thin rings. Heat vegetable oil in a small pan over medium-high until shimmering.
- Fry the onion rings, stirring often, until deep golden-brown and beginning to crisp — about 10 minutes. Add the cumin in the last minute.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top generously with the fried onion rings and their oil. Serve with lemon wedges and pita.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shorbat Ads?
The everyday Lebanese red lentil soup: silky, golden, and finished with crispy cumin-fried onion rings that sink into the bowl as you eat. Simple to make, impossible to tire of.
Where is Shorbat Ads from?
Shorbat Ads comes from Lebanese Mountains. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Shorbat Ads vegetarian or vegan?
As written, Shorbat Ads uses only plant-based ingredients, so it is suitable for both vegetarian and vegan diets. Always double-check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of cumin in Shorbat Ads?
The cumin called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Shorbat Ads its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Shorbat Ads?
In a Lebanese soups spread, Shorbat Ads is served hot with warm flatbread or a wedge of lemon, often as a light meal on its own or as a first course.
Can I make Shorbat Ads ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes — leftovers keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat gently (or bring to room temperature for cold dishes) and taste to adjust seasoning before serving. Dishes with fresh herbs or dressing are freshest the day they are made.